The Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Florida will host the first of two T20 internationals between India and the West Indies on Saturday. This is the first time India will be playing an international cricket match on US soil.
Anil Kumble, the coach of the Indian team, seemed happy with the facilities on offer.
"I certainly didn't expect the facilities to be as good as what it is in the United States. I certainly felt that it could be a makeshift. I had heard about Florida and this ground, but very impressed with the facilities that we have seen today. It's the first time that I'm seeing this ground and the wickets are good, ideal probably for a T20, and the practice facilities have been good, the outfield looks fantastic. So all in all, really impressed with the facilities here.”
Kumble also felt that this would be a good opportunity for a lot of Indian expatriates in the US to get some live cricket action on their home turf.
"It's a wonderful initiative and we are really looking forward to our matches here, it's going to be a sell out. We know US...the expats and the huge Indian diaspora who are wanting for quality cricket to come to the US. We have played in the past in the West Indies and a lot of Indians come over form the US to watch us. So this is a great opportunity for all of them and I'm sure this is the start of a new beginning in the United States and I'm sure there will be a lot more of the Indian team in the US going forward."
The series is going to eventually evolve into an annual event in order to expand to newer markets and increase popularity of the game, according to BCCI President Anurag Thakur.
The two sides will be led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Carlos Braithwaite, respectively.
The Central Broward stadium is the only ICC certified international ground in the US and has hosted four T20 internationals so far.